Why did you choose UConn?
I actually had a very difficult time deciding which college would be right for me. I was originally very “anti-UConn” because my sister attended as well, but I ultimately chose UConn because of the Neag School of Education. It’s one of the best education programs in the country, and since I knew I never wanted to stray far from my home in Connecticut for my career, UConn and Neag were the best choice for me.
What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I am a dual-degree English and Secondary English Education major. I chose these majors because I’ve always had a love of language. The English/Language Arts classroom was where I developed my voice growing up, and I loved expressing myself through writing. I wanted to share my passion for literature and language with others, and becoming an English teacher was the best way I could imagine doing so.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes of my undergraduate career were each of my poetry classes with Professor Bruce Cohen. I enrolled in ENGL 2401, a poetry literature course, as well as ENGL 1701 and part of ENGL 3701 (Creative Writing I and II) with Professor Cohen. These courses provided a new challenge for me, and I learned more than I had in any other English class, about myself and about the genre. I had never explored poetry very much, especially writing it, and Professor Cohen helped me tap into a new skill and interest I didn’t know I had.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be returning to UConn for my Master’s in Education but hope to be a high school English teacher when it’s all said and done.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
One thing that surprised me about UConn was the way such a large campus could feel like such an intimate community. I learned very early on that getting involved made the school feel much smaller. There was a familiar, friendly face at every corner and I never felt alone here. I made some of my best friends at UConn and relationships that will last a lifetime.
What’s your favorite thing about UConn?
My favorite thing about UConn is the community and school spirit. Whether it was a concert or a basketball game, everyone on campus bled blue. The energy everyone exuded was infectious. Like we’ve been told since day one, we’re students today but Huskies forever.
What activities were you involved with on campus?
On campus, I was involved in a lot of activities, perhaps most importantly The Daily Campus newspaper. I was a Life editor at The Daily Campus for three years, and involved in other aspects of the organization as well. I was also heavily involved in Future Educators, TESA, Husky Ambassadors, and Windham High School Tutoring.
What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
There are so many important “bucket list” things all UConn students should check off, like One Ton Sundae, First Night or Oozeball. One thing that I highly recommend all students do during their time here is catch a sunrise on Horsebarn Hill. Watching a sunset is easy, but a sunrise takes a little more commitment, and I’ve never seen campus look more beautiful.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
UConn has prepared me for my future career in a multitude of ways. First and foremost, the Neag School of Education has provided me all the academic tools I need to be a successful teacher. After all of my clinic placements and student teaching, I feel equipped to give students an equitable, enriching education. UConn has also given me the communication skills, creativity, leadership skills, and helped to spark a passion for my career as an educator.
What’s something you learned in a class that you’ll always remember?
Something I learned in a class that I’ll always remember is that sometimes it’s okay not to follow all the rules (thanks for always reminding me of that Professor Cohen)!
What were some of the things you had never done before you came to UConn?
Some things I had never done before I came to UConn were: attend an a capella concert; celebrate Holi and Chinese New Year; wait 2+ hours in line (for pizza, ice cream, concert tickets, a basketball game or just a free shirt); walk 15 miles in one day; have 5 roommates at once; interview multiple celebrities; or have Bobby Moynihan and Angela Kinsey give me a shout-out online.
What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
One thing that will always make me think of UConn is the husky. Whether it’s a puppy on the street, an image on a t-shirt, or Jonathan himself, seeing that familiar dog will always remind me of home.
What’s something good about UConn that not many people know?
Something good about UConn that not many people know is the scope of opportunities available. There are so many internships, jobs, scholarships, clubs, sports, organizations, and activities to get involved with. Most activities are free to students, and there’s always an opportunity to try something new that you’re interested in, all you have to do is look.
Any advice for incoming first-year students?
I would advise a student who is just starting out to get as involved as possible right away. I know a lot of students try to get a handle on academics first, but getting involved in something you love as soon as you get to UConn helps make this enormous campus feel a lot smaller. I found a community of people that care about, support and encourage me and that’s something I will continue to have after these four years. Finding your passion will give you something to look forward to after a long day of classes and make your years here even more memorable.
